Inside the Wire... Page 9 Page 6 Page 4 Secretary Mineta gives kudos to PSU 307 Published in the interest of personnel assigned to JTF-GTMO and COMNAV Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Honor Bound to Defend Freedom Volume 3, Issue 1 Friday, December 6, 2002 Story by Army Sgt. Erin P. Viola Because of you and what you have done for your country, others are alive today, said Transportation Secretary, Nor man Y. Mineta to Port Security Unit 307, during his recent Thanksgiving Day morale visit to GTMO. Since the Coast Guard is expected to make its official transition to the Depart ment of Homeland Security in March 2003, this GTMO visit was one of Minetas last public appearances made while serving in his dual role as Secretary of the United States Coast Guard. In his address to PSU 307 at W.T. Samp son High School, Mineta recognized the hard work of the U.S. Coast Guard, but gave specific praise to PSU 307. Since September 12, 2001, PSU 307 has been activated; first tasked for Operation Noble Eagle to protect homeland ports in New York, Boston and Providence, and now at GTMO standing watch for Operation Enduring Freedom. Time and time again America has called on the Coast Guard and time and time again PSU 307 has answered the call; defending the country, saving lives, improving safety, disrupting the poisonous flow of drugs, protecting the environment, and patrolling our shores. Every single mission of the United States Coast Guard rings out with this nobility of service and purpose in the opportunity to serve, said Mineta. According to U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Duncan Smith, Deputy Commander, Mobilization and Reserve Component, Atlanta area, about 95 percent of every PSU consists of reservists. Just like most Port Security Units, PSU 307 is designed to be deployable within 96 hours, opera tional within 24 hours once on the ground, and can fully support themselves for 30 days. PSU 307 hit the ground run ning after 9/11 and have virtually been on the go ever since. Their presence in New York, Boston and Providence ports also kept made com mercial traffic within the maritime trans portation system operational, said Smith. It is an honor and privilege to be in the company of such outstanding patriots. I know that is very, very tough, especially around the holidays to be separated from family, friends and loved ones. So I want you to know how especially grateful I am as the Secretary of the U.S. Coast Guard for the job that you are doing to help pro tect our great nation, to help protect us in terms of being able to retain our freedoms and liberties, especially during these See PSU 307, page 5 Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta wishes Happy Thanksgiving to Coast Guard Lt. Dan J. Eagan, with the 307th Port Security Unit from St. Petersburg, FL. Photo by Army Spc. George Allen

PAGE 2

Operations Security (OPSEC) is a contin ual process of identifying, controlling, analyz ing, and protecting critical information and friendly actions associated with military oper ations and other activities. The goal of OPSEC is to increase mission effectiveness through reduced mission vulner ability. Our mission is critical and demands that we control and protect all operational infor mation. In any given operation or mis sion, each of us pos sesses information which, when combined with other information from additional sources, can compromise our missions objec tives. The JTF-GTMO OPSEC program is designed to counter, control and protect poten tial loss of operational information. Therefore, it is vitally important to safe guard what you know about our mission. We conduct operations on a few square miles in a Communist country whose allies are our adversaries. When using the telephone or the Internet, be especially careful of the conversation con tent.When convers ing with your friends or co-work ers in public, be wary of unfamiliar personnel in your vicinity. Lastly, remember that you are a vital piece of our mission and you have information and knowledge our adversaries want and need. Do your part, protect yourself, your unit, and our mission through the continual practice of OPSEC. Think OPSEC Page 2 Friday, December 6, 2002 Message from the Command Sgt. Maj. OPSEC Corner To all the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen of Joint Task Force Guan tanamo, Id like to take this opportunity to intro duce myself and my family as we join the Guantanamo Bay community. My wife Mary Beth and my two daughters, Ash ley and Lisa, join this command after serving 30 months in Germany. There I served as Brigade CSM, and then as CSM for the 7th Army Training Command. Words cannot describe how proud and excited we are being part of this team of teams. I am com mitted to this command and will devote all my efforts to ensuring that the service members of JTF-GTMO are well prepared to accomplish this important mission. This assignment is different from those that Ive held in the past; however, providing outstanding leadership to the men and women in uniform is necessary for any assignment. I will make every effort to ensure a high quality of leadership in JTFGTMO. My family and I look forward to meeting every one in the GTMO community and to the challeng ing and rewarding years ahead. This command has an important mission to our nation as it fights the war on terrorism. This awesome responsibility cannot be taken lightly. The success of combat or peacekeeping opera tions may rely heavily on this command perform ing its mission every day of the year. It is an honor, a privilege and my pleasure to serve as your Com mand Sergeant Major. JTF-GTMO Command Commander: Army Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller Task Force CSM: Command Sgt. Major George L. Nieves Public Affairs Officer: Army Maj. Paul J. Caruso Command Information Officer: Army Cpt. Linda K. Spillane Online at: http://www.nsgtmo.navy.mil/jtfgtmo/ Circulation: 2,100 copies The Wire Staff The Wire NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Stephen E. Lewald Editor-In-Chief: Sgt. Erin P. Viola Staff writers and design team: Spc. Delaney T. Jackson Spc. Lisa L. Gordon Spc. Alan L. Knesek Spc. George L. Allen Contact us: 5239/5241 (Local phone) 5246 (Local fax) Joint Information Bureau/Pink Palace The Wire is produced by the 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment assigned to the Joint Information Bureau at JTFGTMO. This publication is printed under the provisions provided in Army Regulation 360-1 and does not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or the personnel within. JTF-GTMO Command Sgt. Maj. George L. Nieves JAG CORNER I have noticed that nothing I never said ever did me any harm. Calvin Coolidge CAMP AMERICA JAG OFFICE IS NOW OPEN! @ Camp America SEAHut #A6107 Hours of Operation: Monday Friday 0830-1630 Saturday 0830-1200 Legal Assistance Office: LTC David A. Cannon MAJ Jo A. Irby SFC Hilda Johnson Military Justice Office: CPT Kyndra K. Miller SGT Benjie L. Bell SPC Theresa A. Persyn Services Available: Legal Assistance Office Military Justice Office Legal Advice to Service Members Legal Advice to unit commanders Powers of Attorney Notaries Wills Submissions to: lewaldse@JTFGTMO.southcom.mil

PAGE 3

Chaplaincy Passes Torch Page 3 Friday, December 6, 2002 Worship Services CATHOLIC Main Chapel Daily 0630 Cobre Chapel Weds 1700 Rica Cobre Chapel Friday 1700 Rosary Sat 1630 Reconcilation 1730 Mass Sun 0900 Mass PROTESTANT Main Chapel Weds 1900 Mens Bible Study* Thurs 1915 Youth Fellowship* Sun 0930 Adult Bible Study 1100 Service 1830 Bible Study* 1930 Praise and Worship Servce Fellowship Hall Located in Chapel Complex Camp America Weds 1900 Service Sun 0800 Service 1800 Service ISLAMIC Fri 1300 Classroom 12 Chapel Complex JEWISH Fri 2000 Fellowship Hall Story by Army Sgt. Benari Poulten and Army Spc. Delaney T. Jackson Approximately 80 Joint Task Force service members packed into the white multi-purpose tent at Camp America, on a breezy December 1st morning to hear outgoing Army Chaplain Maj. Michael Merrill deliver his final sermon as part of the Joint Task Force. Back in May 2002, when Merrill gave his first sermon, he preached to a congregation of barely seven people. As word spread, Mer rills congregation slowly grew. That was the best going away present for me, to see this large congregation, and to know the hard work we have done here will continue. As Camp America said a heartfelt goodbye to Merill, they warmly welcomed the new chaplaincy from the 300th MP Brigade; among them Army Chaplain Maj. John Terrell 300th MP Brigade from Michigan, and Army Chaplain Lt. Col Herbert Heavner. Merrills advice to his successors, Be patient and dont be discouraged...sometimes progress is slow...but God has you covered. God has your back. The new chaplaincy assumed the religious duties following Sundays services. Its really great to be here; Im very much encour aged. It looks like Im going to have a lot to live up to, [but] its going to be great trying to follow in Merills footsteps, exclaimed an enthusiastic Terrell. Terrell stressed that he is always available: If you cant get a hold of me, contact the chaplains office. Im always available to talk, anytime of the dayanytime, anyplace...I love to talk and I love to listen. Although Chaplain Merrill has given his final sermon and he believes Camp America will be in good hands under their new chap lain, he still had some parting words. God will provide for you if your heart is right. Heavner said he is ready for the increased challenges service members may have while separated from their loved ones during the holidays. He recommended that service members make a special effort to stay in touch with their families and to draw strength from one another. Army Chaplain Maj. Michael Merrill, right, introduces Chaplains Lt. Col. Herb Heavner, middle, and Maj. John Terrell to the congregation during Sundays services in Camp America. Story by Army Spc. George Allen Last Saturday, as Brig. Gen. James E. Payne III, commander of the 300th Military Police Brigade, unfurled his unit guidon, the 300th officially assumed its role in Joint Task-Force Guantanamo. In the Change of Responsibility Ceremony, the 43rd MP Brigade from Warwick, RI, handed over operations of Camp Delta to the 300th. Maj. Gen. Geoffrey D. Miller wel comed the 300th as a unit of high cal iber and quality, There is no doubt in my mind that we have the right people down here to ensure that this mission is done correctly. Theyve already worked hard, said Miller. They spent 30 days in their mission rehearsal exercises... From my initial assessment they are well prepared and ready to take on this mission and build on the foundation that the 43rd has laid for success.. The 300th Bde. will bring in a cer tain amount of expertise in the correc tional field, said Command Sgt. Major John R. VanNatta, CSM for the 300th. Although their mission here is unorthodox, VanNatta is sure their training will make things run smoothly. Weve been training, and were ready to assume the mission, he said. The foundations to win the war on terrorism are established here on GTMO, said Miller. You are the sol diers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who will do that. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring our nation is free, and our families and friends are safe. Brig. Gen. James E. Payne III (r), and Command Sgt. Maj. John R. VanNatta (l) uncased the 300th Military Police Brigade guidon last Saturday in a Change of Responsibility ceremony at Camp Delta. 300th Assumes JTF-GTMO Mission Photo by Army Spc. George Allen Photo by Army Spc. Delaney T. Jackson

PAGE 4

Story by Army Spc. Delaney T. Jackson When the Marine Corps was searching for something to replace Close Combat Training, they turned to martial arts and put together the most intense training program Corps wide. The training, which incorporates various moves from more than 20 different martial arts styles, is composed of six major belt classes. Martial arts training begins at the tan level, where individuals learn the fundamentals of the martial arts program. Through dedicated practice and through testing, students can move up to gray, then green, brown and finally black belt status. With enough practice, and by passing tests from one belt to the next, students could find themselves at the top of the belt class as a black belt instructor-trainer. We treat everyone like brand new babies. We start you with a basic warrior stance, we work you through how to move, angles and movements, so you know how to step forward and backward. We teach you all that stuff, just like at boot camp when they teach you how to brush your teeth and make your bed. We work you out, teach cohesion drills, log carries, build every body up as a team...its physically exhaust ing, says Gunnery Sgt. Rob Gariepy, a black belt instructor with the Marine Corps Security Force Company Winward. Then at the end you have to execute those moves we taught you when youre physically exhausted. From the gray level, students can be tested, so they can move on to more advanced courses: green, brown, and black. The training is no cake-walk; getting a passing mark is based not only on technique, but also intensity. Many students will take the test three to four times before passing and moving on to the next stage. If you desire to excel, you suck it up, says Cpl. Thomas Villa, MCSF Co. Winward. It incorporates everything from the rifle and pistol, to bayonet and hand to hand. It builds up the warrior spirit; its everything about being a Marine, Gariepy says. Its awesome; its the best thing going. Once students earn a belt, they are expected to maintain a level of proficiency through sus tainment training and cohesion drills. These drills, which can last 30 minutes to two hours include tasks from all previous skill levels and teach them to dig down deep, to push each other, according to Villa. Training isnt all physical. Students are also taught the importance of discipline and self-control. Emphasis is placed on responsi ble use of force, such as in combat, or as a last resort. In addition, physical, mental, and char acter qualities are also included into the train ing. Who is allowed to participate in this train ing? We take people who work with Marines, explains Gariepy. We dont just take Army units and run them through, but if theyre attached to a Marine unit, well go ahead and let them go through the training. Marine martial arts training tends to be rig orous, physically taxing, and dangerous. Hence the Marines also emphasize a safety first rule to minimize injuries. All students are taught proper form, how to break falls, and tap-out rules. Although most students are aware of the inherent dan gers with martial arts training, they do not want to fall behind. They live by the creed, suck it up, get the belt, then relax. Page 4 Friday, December 6, 2002 1. Rear choke hold with figure four variation (Army Spc. Amber Albrecht & Marine Cpl. Curtis Myers) 2. Bayonet techniques (left Albrecht, right Army Pfc. Ebony Blane) 3. Basic warrior stance with a weapon (Albrecht) 4. Leg Sweep ( Marine Sgt. Mathew Condy) 5. Horizontal butt stroke (Condy ) 6. Basic wrist lock ( L, Marine Cpl. Thomas Villa & R, Army Spc. Aswhin Saperi ) 7. Counter to rear choke ( Condy & Saperi) 8. Rear choke ( rear Army Staff Sgt. Shelly Casinger, front Blane, right Gun nery Sgt. Rob Gariepy) Marine Gunnery Sgt. Robert Smith demonstrates the basic warrior stance. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Photo by Army Spc. Delaney T. Jackson Photo by Army Spc. Delaney T. Jackson Blackbelt Instructor, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Rob Gariepy, stands next to Bob the practice dummy, in the dojo at Marine Hills Body Shop. Photo by Army Spc. Delaney T. Jackson Learning martial arts the Corps way

PAGE 5

Page 5 Friday, December 6, 2002 Story by Army Sgt. Erin P. Viola Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy A. Shughrou wants to run for mayor. When Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta visited GTMO last week to spend Thanksgiv ing with Shughrous unit, U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 307, Shughrou got the chance to learn from the top of the Coast Guards command. Over coffee and donuts, Shugrou discussed his plans to run for mayor of his hometown in Georgia, and asked Mineta for some advice. Mineta recom mended that Shughrou get involved with his commu nity by volunteering for anything from coaching kids to getting on town committees. Mineta stressed getting to know the youth of today, as they are the voters of tomorrow. Mineta inspired Shughrou to succeed, He wasnt born with a silver spoon in his mouth and nei ther was I, said Shughrou. I figure if he can do it, I can do it. After Shugrou attends Officer Candidate School next June he plans to serve for a full twenty years; and then put Minetas advice to work. Mineta mentors mayoral hopeful Get Involved Next Stop... City Hall for Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy A. Shughrou of PSU 307. Story By Army Chaplain (CPT) Yousef The eve of December 6th marks the end of the month long fast of Ramadan. It is cele brated by the joyous occasion of Eid Al Fitr. The holiday begins on the first day of the tenth lunar month of the Islamic calendar and is indicated by the sighting of the new moon. This year Eid Al Fitr falls on December 6th. Eid Al Fitr, The Breaking of the Fast Feast, is a time of much celebration throughout the globe among the worlds 1.2 billion Muslims. The first of two holidays in Islam, Eid Al Fitr is a day of thanksgiving and gratitude to God. As Muslims complete yet another month long fast in obedience and servitude to God almighty, they rejoice and celebrate for three festive days. Muslims leave Ramadan benefiting greatly from the experience of fasting, taking with them all the lessons learned throughout the month. Fasting the full month of Ramadan is a great accomplishment for a Muslim and demonstrates discipline and triumph over ones desires. Traditionally, Muslims in every household arise early to welcome this joyous occasion. On this day Muslims customarily dress in new or ones best clothes wearing sweet smelling colognes. A sweet snack such as dates is usu ally enjoyed in the morning before attending a special Eid prayer that is performed in large congregation at the mosque. The Eid prayer is followed by a khutbah, or sermon. Muslims are strongly encouraged to attend the Eid prayer to be among fellow Muslims during this important event. The excitement over Eid can be seen throughout the Muslim world by the jubilation in the streets on this happy occasion. Today, beautifully designed Eid cards are sent and phone calls are made to family and friends around the world to wish Eid greetings. Eid is a happy time of year for Muslims as the feeling of brotherhood in Islam is reaf firmed. But aside from being an occasion for celebration, Eid is also a time of remembrance and peace. On this Eid, Muslims will pray for their brethren and for peace around the world. Ramadan ending, Eid Al Fitr starts next troubled times, said Mineta. PSU 307 expressed some concern about the long-term viability of the Coast Guard being an armed service, with respect the move to the Department of Homeland Security. Mineta dispelled their concerns. Youll be joined by all of the uniformed services by the hip. There is no way they could take a tear and close the Coast Guard off by itself, he said. The Coast Guard will be moved intact over to the new Department of Homeland Security. So all of your goals, missions, and objectives as you know them today shall continue. None of it changes, said Mineta. However, the part that does change is the increased emphasis on security, and an increased budget. According to the Department of Transportation, the security budget for the U.S. Coast Guard increased by about 55 percent, shortly after September 11, 2001. The increase remains somewhere between 25 and 30 percent, and will most likely stay at that level via the Department of Homeland Security. Mineta said the majority of that budget increase would go towards new acquisi tions of assets, such as new technology, and replacing some of the 40 and 50 year old Cutters currently in use by the U.S. Coast Guard. Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick McGrath of PSU 307 felt Minetas visit was not only a morale booster for PSU 307, but was glad to get first-hand updates about the transition to the Department of Homeland Security. The good thing about moving to Home land Security, is that weve never received enough funding in the past, and now our guys will have the resources they need to complete our missions more efficiently, said McGrath. Will the budget increase also mean an increase in pay for the Coast Guard? Probably not. Mineta joked with PSU 307, Yes, it [the pay increase] comes with the options program. Thats the good news. The bad news is that the options program is connected to Enron Corporation. Although pay for the U.S. Coast Guard will remain status quo, the duties and responsibilities to protect our nation will not. There is still much to be done in the war on terrorism. As Mineta reflected, Beyond the sor row of yesterdays victims of terrorism, we must awaken to the new challenges of tomorrow, which wont be any sim pler than those of the past. If anything, they will likely be harder. Freedom is not retained any more easily than it is earned. Mineta has no doubt that the U.S. Coast Guard and PSU 307 are ready for the challenges ahead: Always ready, always there, every hour, every dayaround the clockaround the world. PSU 307, from page 1 USMC Capt. William Elliot (far right), with the Marine Corps Security Company, explains the history of the perimeter to Secretary of Transportation Mineta (third from left) and members of PSU 307. Photo by Army Spc. George Allen Photo by Army Sgt. Erin P. Viola

PAGE 6

Army Lt. Col. Herb Heavner, JTF GTMO Command Chaplain, leads soldiers in prayer during a special Thanksgiving service held in the large white multi-purpose tent in Camp America. Page 6 Friday, December 6, 2002 Thanksgiving on duty Army Spc. Marvin Jones and Army Spc. Mario Lozoya of the 346th MP Co. join in prayer during Camp Americas holiday service in the large white multi-purpose tent. These letters written by students from GTMO and other schools in the U.S. were distrubuted to service members during the Thanksgiving service here. Story and Photos by Army Spc. Alan Knesek Thanksgiving came like always this year, but for many people they were far from home and far from their families as well. Nevertheless, the spirit of thanksgiving was not forgotten here. A special Thanksgiving service was held in the Camp America multi-purpose tent. Led by Army Maj. Michael Merrill, chaplain for Camp America, and Army Maj. Gen Jeffrey Miller, soldiers were given holiday cards which children sent to GTMO. The cards were collected from several schools that fall under U.S. SouthComs con trol and from GTMO's very own WT Sampson Elementary School.

PAGE 7

Page 7 Friday, December 6, 2002 Army Spc. Abbey Keeley recieves student letters from Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Miller during the Thanksgiving service. Army Sgt. Norman Renaldi, 344th MP Co., is served his Thanksgiving dinner by Army Maj. Gen. Miller et al. After the service concluded, soldiers went to Seaside Galley, where Maj. Gen. Miller and several other officers of Camp America and GTMO, pulled KP duty. The giv ing did not stop in Camp America. Officers served all of the Thanksgiving meals in GTMO. Even though soldiers spent Thanksgiving away from their families, the Army made sure that the spirit of Thanksgiving was not forgot ten, but embraced together with fellow soldiers and those officers and senior enlisted that are here to take of them. Army Staff Sgt. Willis Hickox, 250th MI Bn. and Spc. David Turpin, B. Co. 2/142 Inf. Rgt. pray at the Thanksgiving service in the multi-purpose tent in Camp America.

PAGE 8

Story by Army Spc. Jared Mulloy Want to say hi to your family or friends on TV this holi day season? You just might have the chance. Army broad cast journalists from the 362nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment will be making video holiday greet ings to send to television sta tions in your hometown until December 10th. Three teams will be visiting various units and locations at GTMO to make these videos. The Hometown Holiday Greeting Program was devel oped for military personnel and their families who will not be home for the holidays. The greetings are generally between fifteen and twenty seconds long, and are filmed outside for a "Postcard-like" look. Your message should include your service, rank, name, duty station, hometown and your holiday message. Let the folks back home know about the great job youre doing down here for JTF Guantanamo and send a seasons greetings to your hometown today. Dont miss this terrific opportunity! For more information, or to set up an appointment, call Sgt. 1st Class Lillian Falco or Sgt. Dan Johnson at 5233. Guantanamo on the air Page 8 Friday, December 6, 2002 This weeks question: What advice can you give personnel new to GTMO? Sgt. Jason McDaniel Keep busy. PO2 Anndi Miskell Keep a positive attitude. Sgt. Timm Rodgers Take time seeing the sights because youve got a while to be here. SSgt. Bill Dixon Make new friends and find someone who has a car. Cpl. Scott Salvagno Pack well, relax, take it easy, and do the mission to the best of your ability. Compiled by Spc. Lisa Gordon and Spc. Alan Knesek Man on the Street For the best in country music, listen to FM 103.1, The Blitz, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Radio personalities from the 362nd MPAD will be featured throughout the month of December. Tune in December 9th through the 13th to hear Sgt. Benari Poulten and Pfc. Justin Cornish. December 16th through the 20th, The Blitz will feature Sgt. Dan Johnson and Spc. Jared Mul loy. Dial 2300 to make requests. Pfc. Justin Cornish and Sgt. Benari Poulten, keeping GTMO entertained and informed on 103.1, The Blitz. Holiday greetings Photo by Army Spc. Alan L. Knesek Photo by Army Spc. Lisa L. Gordon

PAGE 9

Its a Caribbean Christmas! Page 9 Friday, December 6, 2002 The Cub Scouts (above) and other children (below) enjoy the festivities. The Seabees, Naval Mobile Construction Bn. 5, had the largest float a 35 ton quarry dump truck. The base nursery has thriving plants, even in their Christmas parade float (above), but their truck had seen better days. They still got their trophy though after getting a tow (at left). Photos by Army Spc. George Allen

8 Ball Tournament Dec. 4, 7 p.m. Spades Tournament Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Bowling Party Dec. 11, 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Dawn Fishing Dec. 14, 7 a.m. Table Tennis TourneyDec. 18, 7 p.m. Chess Tourney Dec. 22, 3 p.m. Dart Tournament Dec. 24, 7 p.m. Night Fishing Dec. 27, 5:30 p.m. Page 11 Friday, December 6, 2002 In the noontime heat of the Guantanamo sun, fifty-three runners raced in the annual 5k Turkey Trot here. Both service-members and civilians com peted for prizes within their groups. The win ners of each group won trophies, and turkeys went to those who won first place. Turkeys also went to Mr. and Mrs. Irrele vant -the male and female who placed last over all. Craig Basel, Base MWR Director, was there to start off the event. This is another way to get everyone involved on base, and we get to give away some turkeys, he said. Shawn Lewis, an MWR employee, won 1st Place overall, with a time of 19:45. Second place was Army Sgt. Miguel Alicea, with the 240th MP Company, at 19:47, and third place, was William Brooks from the 178th MP Co. There was also a turkey swim, Wed. night, where competitors had to swim while drag ging a turkey behind them. There will also be a Christmas run in December with hams for prizes, said Basel. MWR also provided cold water, bananas and oranges for the runners. A Navy Corps man was on call in case of injuries, and first aid and CPR trained personnel were present. Coming Events Turkey trotters race for dinner Marblehead Bowling Lane: Ham Shoot Dec. 8, Starts 6 p.m. at the Bowling Center. There is a $5 entry fee. For more info, call 2118. Recreation Center: This years Army vs. Navy Football game will be on Dec. 7 at 12 p.m. You can view it at the Windjammer and at the Bayview. ( The viewing at the Bayview is for Officers and civilian equivalents only.) Army vs. Navy Football Game: Story by Spc. George Allen, Photos by Spc. Delaney Jackson Task-Force GTMO members and GTMO residents race to win their dinners. Runners line up and receive final instructions before the start of last Wednesdays annual Turkey Trot. Army Sgt. Miguel Aliecea, with the 240th MP Co. from Ft. Allen, Puerto Rico, won second place over all with a 5k time of 19:47. Were used to the heat, he said. Its the same temperature back home, but no one goes running at noon. Four members of Alieceas squad came to the race to cheer him on. Signup required, call 2010

PAGE 12

Interview by Spc. Lisa L. Gordon and Spc. Allen Knesek Q: So, where are you from? A: Anthony, New Mexico. Q: And what is your MOS? A: Im a 63M, a Bradley Mechanic. Im here for mainte nance and support. Q: What kind of vehicles do you work on? A: I work on pretty much every thing here. Q: Have you ever seen a vehicle come through here that you could nt fix? A: Not that I couldnt fix...I mean, Id go get Sgt. Rodgers if I ever needed help or some of the other maintenance guys that have a little bit more experience than me. Q: How long have you been in the Army? A: I ve been in the Army five years. Q: Whats the biggest mainte nance problem you see with all the vehicles coming in here? A: Lack of operator PMCS. Just little stuff that could be pre vented. It doesnt have to reach our level. If they [operators] opened up the dash ten, it explains everything in it. Read your dash tens...do your PMCS. Q: Did you happen to go to the Electric Light Parade the other day? A: No I didnt. Q: Why not? A: You know how it is... You get busy. When vehicles go down we have to stop doing everything were doing. Weve got to get on those vehicles...get them up and running. Q: Does that mean youre on call 24/seven? A: For my unit, yes. Each unit has their own maintenance program, but Im 24/seven for my vehicles. Q: If you were at the parade and a vehicle went down but you didnt have all the tools you have here, could you have been like Mac Gyver and fixed it with whatever you had on hand? A: I would have done whatever it took to get the job done. Q: Do you have a favorite get away spot on the island? A: We go to the Windjammer, or well go to the Tiki Bar, or well go to the Beach just to hang out...just wherever. I just try to stay busy to make the time go by...stay out of trouble. Thats hard to do around here. Q: Can you give me an example? A: Oh, I havent gotten into trouble! Q: Have you got any advice for people new to the island? A: Dont stay at home. If youve got off time, go out, explore, check out the island and see what it has to offer. Itll make the time go by faster. If not, the time will just D-R-A-G by real slow, so youve got to get out and do something. We go snorkeling quite a bit. Q: What kinds of things have you seen while youve been snor keling? A: Ive seen sting rays, sea tur tles, octopus, squid, a little bit of everything... Q: Ever seen anything that scared you down there? A: The octopus made me a little bit nervous. I reached down to grab some shells and he was trying to eat on them, so he reached up and grabbed me. That was kind of creepy. Other than that its all new. This is the first time Ive ever been snorkeling. Q: What are your plans for Christmas? A: Hopefully, Ill be home for Christmas. Im married and Ive got two boys, so thats basically what they want for Christmas is for dad to come home, so were going to see what we can do. Q: How old are your kids? A: Ive got a ten-year-old and a four-yearold boy. Q: Sounds like you guys will be going home soon. Would you like to give a little shout out to your unit? A: The guys have done a real good job here. Theyve been tasked out left and right with guard and towers and everything else. Theyve been real busy but theyve kept moti vated and got the job done. They did a real good job. 15 Minutes o f Fame... Page 12 Friday, December 6, 2002 with Sgt. Raymond Coles, Company B, 2/142 The Man Behind the Machines Sgt. Coles, hard at work, as The Wire takes a look under his hood to find out what makes him tick.